Race to Chase Ends at Richmond – Clinch Scenarios September 9, 2015 NASCAR The top 16 teams in driver point standings after this Saturday’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Series at Richmond International Raceway will advance to NASCAR’s version of the playoffs – the in this case called Chase for Championship – an elimination style format with bottom runners being lopped off the eligible list at different intervals during the Chase. Those drivers who have already earned their berth in the playoffs include Jimmie Johnson (4 wins), Kyle Busch (4 wins), Joey Logano (3 wins), Matt Kenseth (3 wins), Kevin Harvick (2 wins), Dale Earnhardt Jr. (2 wins), Kurt Busch (2 wins), Carl Edwards (2 wins), Brad Keselowski (1 win), Martin Truex Jr. (1 wins), Denny Hamlin (1 win). Five spots remain with 21 drivers contending (technically). Clinch scenarios follow… Regardless of who wins at Richmond… Jamie McMurray clinches by starting the race. Ryan Newman clinches by finishing 31st or better; 32nd with at least one lap led; or 33rd with the most laps led. Jeff Gordon clinches by finishing 17th or better; 18th with at least one lap led; or 19th with the most laps led. Paul Menard clinches by finishing ninth or better; 10th with at least one lap led; or 11th with the most laps led. If there is a repeat winner… Jamie McMurray, Ryan Newman and Jeff Gordon will clinch regardless of finish. Paul Menard clinches by finishing 38th or better; 39th with at least one lap led; or 40th with the most laps led. Clint Bowyer clinches by finishing 28th or better; 29th with at least one lap led; or 30th with the most laps led. In summary… Four drivers control their Chase destiny without a win: Jamie McMurray, Ryan Newman, Jeff Gordon and Paul Menard. Three drivers can clinch without a win, but need help in the form of poor finishes from winless drivers ahead of them in points and/or a repeat winner: Bowyer, Aric Almirola and Kasey Kahne. Twelve drivers need to win to clinch a Chase spot: Greg Biffle, Kyle Larson, Austin Dillon, AJ Almendinger, Casey Mears, Danica Patrick, Tony Stewart, David Ragan, Sam Hornish Jr., Trevor Bayne, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and Justin Allgaier. Two other drivers need to win and get help to clinch a spot: Cole Whitt and David Gilliland. All other drivers have been eliminated from Chase contention.
